Nigerian Universities Honour Illiterates, People of Unworthy Character – Jega

 Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman, ignited controversy on April 10, 2025, by accusing Nigerian universities of tarnishing academic standards by awarding honorary degrees to “illiterates and people of unworthy character” for financial gain.

Speaking at the National Education Summit in Abuja, Jega decried the practice as a “commercialization of honor,” alleging some institutions target wealthy politicians, business moguls, and celebrities with questionable credentials to secure funding. “It’s a scandal when a university gives a doctorate to someone who can’t write a coherent paragraph,” he said, citing cases where honorees leverage titles for political clout. Jega, who served as vice-chancellor of Bayero University, called for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enforce stricter guidelines, warning that such awards erode public trust in education.

The comments sparked a firestorm. Academics like Dr. Ngozi Okeke of UNILAG echoed Jega, pointing to a 2024 report showing 60% of honorary degrees went to non-academic figures. However, some honorees, including a northern senator who received a doctorate in 2023, hit back, calling Jega’s remarks “arrogant” and dismissive of non-traditional success.

Social media debates raged, with #JegaSpeaks trending as students shared memes of “PhD holders” struggling with speeches. Jega’s critique aligns with his push for educational reform, but critics argue he overlooks universities’ funding crises, which drive such decisions. As Nigeria grapples with a 33% tertiary enrollment rate, the row has fueled calls for integrity over expediency in academia.